Daniel Farke has quickly proved himself to be the right man for the Leeds United manager’s job, and now the German is demanding that certain players prove themselves capable of wearing the shirt.
Despite a topsy turvy start to their 2023/24 Championship season, no doubt due to the upheaval across the summer, Farke hasn’t taken long to steady the ship and the all whites are now in an enviable position tucked right in behind the top two.
A ‘best of the rest’ position will arguably suit Leeds at the moment as the motivation to reel in the top two will surely be there.
Their comeback win at Farke’s former club, Norwich City, only enhanced his and the club’s promotion credentials, and as long as the squad show consistency throughout the campaign, there’s no reason why the manager can’t hit the jackpot again.
One player has already been spoken to about his own consistency and lack of concentration by his hard task master of a manager.
“When I followed his (Pascal Struijk’s) recent season he was always there,” Farke was quoted as saying by Leeds Live.
“There have been some minor moments when he was not switched on. You cannot afford not to be switched on. I spoke to him about consistency and 90 plus minutes [being] switched on, he was annoyed with himself.
“As a centre-back you do not gamble, he’s adapted quite well to my demands. We were there with clean sheets. Skills with the ball, his passing, threat on set-pieces. Very pleased with him.
“The armband helps to give him responsibility for the whole group.”
Evidently, Farke will be Struijk’s biggest supporter if the £50k per week (Capology) ace follows the blueprint that the manager has laid out for success this season.
Judging by performance levels over the last few games that isn’t looking likely to be a problem and it surely bodes well for all concerned.